President Donald Trump took swift action on his Inauguration Day by terminating the security details of nearly 50 former intelligence officials who had raised concerns about the 2020 Hunter Biden laptop controversy being linked to Russian disinformation. Among those affected was Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, who expressed disappointment but not surprise at the decision.
John Bolton, who left the Trump administration in 2019, had his security detail removed by Trump in 2020. However, upon assuming office, President Joe Biden reinstated Bolton's Secret Service protection due to reported threats from Iran.
In a statement to CNN, Bolton acknowledged President Biden's decision to extend his security protection in 2021, despite their policy differences. The executive order signed by Trump, titled 'Holding Former Government Officials Accountable for Election Interference and Improper Disclosure of Sensitive Governmental Information,' targeted 51 former intelligence officials who had signed a letter prior to the 2020 election suggesting Russian involvement in the Hunter Biden laptop saga.
The order emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Intelligence Community and preventing politically motivated actions that could influence U.S. elections. It condemns the weaponization of intelligence resources to manipulate the political process and undermine democratic institutions, likening such actions to breaches of trust seen in less democratic nations.
